7 Chrome Extensions That Will Save You Hours Every Week
Your browser shouldn’t be a distraction machine. We tested the best tools to streamline your workflow, automate tedious tasks, and help you focus.
Upgrade Your Browser, Upgrade Your Life
Let’s face it: Google Chrome is likely where you spend 80% of your workday. Yet, most of us use it “out of the box,” cluttered with fifty open tabs and constant notifications fighting for our attention.
By installing the right extensions, you can turn your browser into a productivity powerhouse. Whether you are trying to beat procrastination or simply want to automate repetitive clicking, there is a tool for that.
We have curated a list of 7 essential extensions that go beyond the basics. These aren’t just gimmicks; they are functional tools designed to give you back your most valuable resource: time.
Quick Summary: The Productivity Stack
| Extension | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Forest | Deep Focus & Pomodoro | Free |
| 2. LastPass | Security & Speed | Freemium |
| 3. OneTab | Memory & Tab Management | Free |
| 4. Grammarly | Writing & Communication | Freemium |
| 5. Todoist | Task Management | Freemium |
| 6. Loom | Video Messaging | Freemium |
| 7. Momentum | Daily Motivation | Free |
1. Forest: Gamify Your Focus
If you find yourself mindlessly opening Twitter or Reddit when you should be working, Forest is the solution. It uses a simple gamification technique: when you want to focus, you plant a virtual seed. As long as you don’t visit blacklisted websites, your tree grows. If you give in to distraction, your tree dies.
This simple visual punishment is surprisingly effective. It ties directly into the psychology of staying focused while working from home.
✅ Pros
- Prevents doom-scrolling.
- Syncs with mobile app.
- Partnered with real tree-planting charities.
❌ Cons
- Can be annoying if you need a blocked site for legitimate work.
- Advanced stats require the paid mobile version.
Block Out the Noise
Software helps block digital noise, but for physical noise, nothing beats the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Check Price on Amazon2. LastPass: Never Type a Password Again
How much time do you waste resetting forgotten passwords? LastPass saves your credentials and autofills them instantly. Beyond just saving time, it secures your digital life by allowing you to use complex, uncrackable passwords for every site without needing to memorize them.
For a detailed breakdown of security tools, check our review of the top 5 free password managers.
✅ Pros
- Autofills forms and logins instantly.
- Generates secure passwords automatically.
- Secure note storage for Wi-Fi codes/PINs.
❌ Cons
- Free version is limited to one device type (mobile OR desktop).
- Interface can occasionally feel cluttered.
3. OneTab: Save 95% of Your Memory
Chrome is notorious for eating up RAM. If you are the type of person who has 30 tabs open “just in case,” your computer is likely running slower than it should. OneTab collapses all open tabs into a single list link. This instantly frees up memory and CPU load, speeding up your machine.
Is your computer still slow even with OneTab? It might be time for an upgrade. See our guide to the top budget laptops for 2025.
✅ Pros
- Drastically reduces CPU/RAM usage.
- Declutters your visual workspace.
- Prevents browser crashes.
❌ Cons
- No cloud sync on the free version.
- Risk of losing the list if the extension crashes (rare).
4. Grammarly: Your AI Editor
Bad grammar kills credibility. Grammarly isn’t just a spellchecker; it’s a tone detector and writing assistant. It helps you rewrite emails to sound more confident or diplomatic. It is essential for anyone looking to build better communication skills.
✅ Pros
- Works in Email, Slack, Google Docs, and Social Media.
- Tone detector helps avoid sounding rude.
- Catches subtle punctuation errors.
❌ Cons
- Advanced style suggestions require Premium.
- Can sometimes conflict with other text editors (like WordPress).
Type Faster & More Comfortably
Pair Grammarly with a keyboard that feels great to type on. The Logitech MX Mechanical is a writer’s dream.
Check Price on Amazon5. Todoist: Capture Tasks Instantly
The Todoist extension allows you to add websites as tasks with one click (“Read this article later”) or jot down ideas without leaving your current page. It is one of the best productivity apps because it integrates seamlessly into your browsing flow.
Pro Tip: Use it to organize your day using the time blocking method.
6. Loom: Say It With Video
Typing out a long email explaining a bug or a process takes forever. Loom lets you record your screen and your voice simultaneously, instantly generating a shareable link. It is the fastest way to delegate tasks or provide feedback without scheduling a meeting.
7. Momentum: Win the Morning
Every time you open a new tab, Momentum greets you with a stunning landscape photo, a personal greeting, and your main focus for the day. It replaces the chaotic default “Most Visited” page with a sense of calm. It aligns perfectly with a solid morning routine for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chrome extensions slow down my computer?
Yes, having too many extensions active can consume RAM. We recommend using an extension manager (or OneTab) to disable the ones you aren’t using daily.
Are these extensions safe to use?
The extensions listed here are verified and widely used. However, you should always check the permissions an extension asks for before installing it. Be wary of extensions asking to “read data on all websites” if they don’t need to.
Can I use these on other browsers like Edge or Brave?
Yes! Since Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Opera are all built on Chromium, they support almost all extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Final Verdict: Start Small
You don’t need to install all 7 of these today. Start with the problem that hurts the most.
- Too many tabs? Install OneTab.
- Can’t focus? Install Forest.
- Messy writing? Install Grammarly.
Automation and tooling are about making space for the work that matters. Once you have your digital workspace optimized, you might want to look at your physical one. Check out our guide on must-have gadgets for your home office to complete your setup.